But even in challenging times, people will always rise to make remarkable stories.
From heartfelt reunions to those defying all the odds, we pick out uplifting articles that showcased the best of Northern Ireland in 2025.
A long overdue Cold War football fixture:
Lurgan enjoyed a football reunion 65 years in the making when more than a thousand German supporters arrived to complete a European club tie halted by the Cold War.
Glenavon had been denied visas to travel behind the Iron Curtain in 1960, ending the fixture against Erzgebirge Aue before it began.
However, decades later the friendship sparked online between fans brought the match back to life.
After Glenavon followers received unforgettable hospitality in the Aue area of Saxony last year, they returned the gesture for the German team.
The Glenavon FC squad pictured with the Violet Bikers before their motorcade to Erzgebirgsstadion last year (Glenavon FC)
Widower reunited with missing pooch has ‘faith restored in humanity’:
A Belfast widower was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude after being reunited with his missing dog and closest companion, following a desperate week apart.
Paul King had shared his heartbreak publicly saying the dog was all he had – and his plea struck a chord.
As the appeal spread, strangers rallied to help. When his dog was finally found and returned safely, the emotional reunion reminded him — and many others — of the kindness, compassion and humanity that still exists.
Paul King after being reunited with his dog Jay after his dog went missing for over a week and he offered a £10,000 reward. Picture: Peter Morrison
A rare ‘op-portal-tunity’:
Two Canadian YouTubers turned a chance virtual encounter into a real‑life adventure when they flew to Northern Ireland to meet a man they had just met through Dublin’s live video portal.
Mark Rowen got speaking to YouTubers Brad Lancaster and Liam MacCosham virtually on the portal.
After chatting online, they instantly hit it off and spent days exploring the Giant’s Causeway, enjoying local pubs and making memories together.
Brad, Mark and Liam at the Giant’s Causeway
Home Children descendants reunite after 120 years:
More than 120 years after their forefathers set sail for Canada from Northern Ireland, their descendants met in Belfast following a lifetime of uncertainty about their roots.
Four Belfast-born siblings originally emigrated to Canada during the Home Children wave and went their separate ways across the North American continent.
But the Mullen family’s cousins reunited with their Canadian and Belfast-based long-lost family after two relatives on opposing sides of the Atlantic connected through a heritage information website.
Keith Mullen and his wife Diane (right) joined five relatives from Canada to reconnect and celebrate their roots in the Crown Bar.
Belfast woman’s ‘life-changing trip’ to Amazon rainforest:
Catherine Bennett became one of the only women to work in the male-dominated field of zoology after she experienced a life changing trip.
At 26 she left Northern Ireland behind to backpack across the world where she found herself in Brazil’s Amazon jungle. Following her return, she wanted to “bring the jungle back home”.
In 2006, she took up a zoology degree and now travels around the region educating people young and old about how to handle reptiles. She has also since travelled around the world aiding other exotic wildlife.
Catherine Bennett of Amazon Jungle Show with a few of her reptile friends
‘Silent’ and inclusive hairdressers opens:
One of Northern Ireland’s first inclusive hairdresser salons opened its doors, catering to those who have learning disabilities or are neurodivergent, such as autism.
Silent Cuts, run by Mainstay DRP, opened in October in Downpatrick and is staffed with stylists who have experience working with those requiring special assistance.
Chief executive Sarah-Jane Mowbray explained: “One of the residents went to a hairdressing appointment which was at 3pm and when they arrived the seat wasn’t ready and, with the noise of the salon and being told, no they had a meltdown.”
(Left to right) CEO of Mainstay DRP Sarah-Jane Mowbray, Darragh Conlon, Robert Barnes, stylist Olwyn McColl and Donna Gibney outside Silent Cuts in Downpatrick on the 18th September 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Co Down woman opens ‘bricks and mortar’ store for used Lego:
A Co Down woman discussed launching the island of Ireland’s only brick-and-mortar used Lego store.
Rachael Morrow completes about 100 works per week, despite only being open on weekends. She explained that the idea came about after quitting her job to take care of her autistic son, with the pair building Lego together.
Rachael now has 190,000 parts in the store that have been categorised, meaning there is something for everyone in Magpie Bricks.
Rachael Morrow pictured at Magpie Bricks. Photograph-Stephen Hamilton
NI painter’s artistic twist to help teen mental health:
Not everyone is comfortable opening up and talking about their feelings, so Orlagh Milligan from Ardglass has been combining art and psychology to offer emotional support to people suffering from poor mental health.
The 30-year-old is a self-taught artist whose family background in healthcare offered the foundations for her business venture dubbed Quest Art Psychology.
The Co Down woman’s works are primarily inspired by the ocean on account of the fishing village she hails from. Her clients, primarily aged between 11 and 18-years-old, “can experience healing, self-discovery and empowerment, which are all extremely transformative.”
Orlagh Milligan
Belfast ballerinas prove age is no barrier at dance class:
Ballet dance halls are typically comprised of youthful rookies, but one Belfast school broke the norm by setting up a group exclusively for those aged 55 and over.
Silver Swans come together every Friday at a jam-packed St Malachy’s church hall on Alfred Street to bend and twist to the sound of classical music.
One member told this newspaper: “I joined the Silver Swans here when I was in my 70s. Sometimes you feel sore, but you get on with it.”
Silver Swans Ballet
Fermanagh girl’s photo of mum on Donegal beach scoops award:
An eight-year-old Co Fermanagh girl with special needs took the top prize in a photography competition after picturing her mother in “their favourite happy place”.
Mabel Hetherington won the People’s Choice award at the My Perspective international photography competition’s child category.
Mabel said the beach is one of the favourite places that she visits with her mum. “I took this photo on a sunny day at Rossnowlagh beach of my mummy. My mummy loves it! The beach is our favourite happy place,” she said.
Mabel Hetherington receiving her photography prize in London
‘Being a foster dad is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done’:
One selfless Belfast man shared how being a foster dad became one of the most rewarding chapters of his life, urging other men to consider opening their homes to vulnerable children.
Gerard McNulty – who has been fostering since 2021 – recounted the joy of helping youngsters feel safe and valued, and the pride he felt as bonds grew stronger over time.
His message resonated with many, highlighting how fostering changed his family’s world and brought community support and hope to children in need.
Gerard and his family
NI couple celebrate Valentine’s Day after 53 years of marriage:
After 53 years of marriage, a couple from Dunmurry celebrated Valentine’s Day in Lisburn Care Home.
John McClean (81) and wife Hazel (80) hosted a party which was themed after the romantic holiday and organised by the care home for the only couple at the site.
“Fifty-three years later we are still here — and enjoying it even more, and I still say to her that I love her, and I do,” John said. They are both passionate Christians and met through their church.
John and Hazel McClean who are celebrating Valentine’s Day at Lisburn Care Home on the 12th February 2025 (Photo by Luke Jervis / Belfast Telegraph)
Rare birds which once faced extinction spotted on Rathlin Island:
Rising back from the brink of extinction, an endangered bird was spotted once again making its seasonal return to Rathlin Island.
The Corncrake has been returning to Northern Ireland’s largest island in Spring thanks to conservation efforts.
The bird was historically abundant throughout the region but its numbers dropped in the 1990s after changes in agricultural practices. Now its unique ‘crex-crex’ is being heard more often thanks to a decade long perseveration project by RSPB NI.
“The return of the corncrake to Rathlin Island each year is a celebration,” the warden said.
The elusive corncrake (Credit: John Bowler)
Wonder boy aces GCSE Maths:
A nine-year-old chess wiz secured a rare achievement after getting an A in his GCSE Maths.
Co Antrim’s Alex McKeown was one of, if not the youngest, in the UK to receive the achievement typically reserved for 15 and 16-year-olds.
The home-schooled boy has been taught by his mum since 2020 alongside his brother Killian.
Alex hopes to be a chess teacher after completing his studies. His mum, Shannon, said the family were “incredibly proud of him” for achieving so much at such a young age.
Alex McKeown (9) has an ambition to be a chess teacher (Picture by Peter Morrison)
Belfast mum colabs with kids to launches new book ‘celebrating city’s diversity’:
Author and inclusion educator Orla McKeating released a book to celebrate diversity in Belfast.
Dubbed We Are Belfast, the book is written by children for children and features Micky Murray, a former Belfast mayor, and Tommy McCarthy, the first Black-Irish boxer to win a European title.
The novel was created through a four-week storytelling and art workshop with children from under-represented communities. Following the launch, Orla was invited to the House of Lords for small business showcase event.
Orla McKeating
Co Tyrone priest’s takes social media by storm:
An unlikely figure from Co Tyrone took the internet by storm after announcing that he was changing Mass times to work around a local GAA match.
Loughmacrory St Tereas’s GFC were competing in their first county final against the formidable Trillick St Macartan’s in Omagh.
So Termonmaguirc parish priest Father Peter McAnenly took to X to announce the news and was later gobsmacked to find out the post had been viewed over 200k times.
The St Teresa’s side went on to win their first senior championship title.
St Mary’s Church, Loughmacrory
Ulster and Munster LGBT+ GAA clubs make history:
Two GAA sides made history after LGBT+ inclusive clubs from Ulster and Munster played against each other ahead of the Pride month.
Belfast’s Aeracha Uladh GAC, founded in 2022, took on Na Laochra Aeracha, formed in January 2024, after a five-hour trip down to Co Cork in July.
The Munster side were up three goals and three points at the final whistle, but the organisers said coming together and making history was the main goal. Both clubs were created to promote GAA culture in an inclusive manner.
Live action shots from Na Laochra Aeracha vs Aeracha Uladh 19.07.2025
Family Belfast Twelfth parade tradition continues:
A family tradition march on for the Green family this year. Kenny Green (72) has proudly strutted with the Millar Memorial Flute Band which leads Belfast’s Twelfth parade almost every summer since he was seven.
He only ever missed one — a Boys’ Brigade camp he still laughs about.
Speaking in July, Kenny said the joy of the procession is in the camaraderie and the smiles they bring. And along with his sons and grandsons marching beside him, he’s proud to have generations to follow in his footsteps.
Kenny Green (second from right) with his two sons and two grandsons — Darren, Stephen, Jamie and Joshua — who are also part of Millar Memorial Band
Boxing writer brings memories flooding back for relative of Belfast’s first female promoter:
Memories came pouring back for a delighted a 92-year-old Belfast woman after an author presented her with a new book celebrating her grandmother — the city’s first female boxing promoter.
The book, Thanks for the Memories, recounted the trailblazing career of Clara “Ma” Copley, who staged hundreds of affordable boxing shows in 1930s Belfast and boosted local fighters’ careers.
Her granddaughter was thrilled to see her family’s sporting history honoured, complete with rare photos and stories that brought some old memories vividly back to life.
Brian Madden gives a copy of Thanks For The Memories to Doreen Devenney, granddaughter of boxing promoter Clara ‘Ma’ Copley (Pic: Peter Morrison)
Back to the Future’s Christopher Lloyd visits original DeLorean factory site in Belfast:
Back to the Future fans were thrilled when Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd, visited the original DeLorean factory site in Belfast decades after the famous car was built there.
The 86-year-old actor walked the grounds where the stainless-steel DMC-12 — later immortalised as a time machine — was first produced, celebrating its enduring legacy and Belfast’s place in film history.
At its peak, around 1,600 people were employed at the Dunmurry site. Lloyd’s visit brought smiles to local enthusiasts and sparked pride in the city’s automotive past.
Christopher Lloyd pictured at the DeLorean factory this weekend.
Manchester United welcomes Belfast boy as first wheelchair mascot for club:
A young Belfast boy made Manchester United history when he became the club’s first ever wheelchair mascot.
Seven‑year‑old Bobby Moore’s big moment came after a video of him celebrating a goal went viral, catching the eye of the United squad and earning him an unforgettable day leading the team out at Old Trafford.
His family and supporters said it was a heart‑warming celebration of spirit, sport and inclusion that the boy and his loved ones would always cherish.
Seven-year-old Bobby Moore meeting his idol Bruno Fernandes
Tyrone town’s triple finals tilt:
It was an exciting month for a Co Tyrone town which buzzed with pride as three local sports clubs prepared for three big finals in the same week.
Fans decked out in colours, families gathered, and local businesses chimed in with excitement as Dungannon Swifts FC, Dungannon Rugby Club and Dungannon Ladies Hockey Club all chased silverware.
The Swifts won the Irish Cup, Dungannon Ladies claimed the Irish Hockey Challenge Cup but the rugby club lost their final.
Jonny Gillespie (Dungannon RFC coach), Rodney McAree (Dungannon Swifts head coach), Norman Purdy (Dungannon Ladies Hockey first-team coach), Lucy Redmond (Dungannon Ladies Hockey captain), Ryan Abernethy (Dungannon RFC player) and Dean Curry (Dungannon Swifts captain). Photo: Dungannon Swifts FC
Butcher targeted by rioters bounces back with new shop:
A Syrian butcher whose shop was set ablaze by racially motivated riots bounced back with a new shop in west Belfast.
Jamal Ghabes previously worked for Sham Supermarket as their resident butcher but the site was among several business that were attacked.
But after a year since the riots, Jamal said he is feeling positive about what the future holds.
Jamal Ghabes (29) the resident butcher of Zain Supermarket
NI’s first integrated primary looks back as it celebrates 40 years:
Northern Ireland’s first integrated primary school celebrated its 40th anniversary by looking back on its journey from a parent‑led experiment to a thriving community.
Doves were released and former pupils and families reflected on how those early parents were “the original risk‑takers” for choosing shared education in a divided society.
The school marked four decades of bringing children of different backgrounds together, highlighting courage, unity and hope as it honoured its founding vision.
Hazelwood Integrated Primary School celebrating the 40th anniversary of it becoming N.Ireland’s first Integrated Primary School on the 10th October 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
How south Belfast residents transformed unsafe alley into ‘Wildflower Alley’:
South Belfast neighbours transformed a once‑unsafe, rubbish‑strewn alley behind homes near the Holylands into Wildflower Alley, a thriving, colourful community green space filled with lush plants, seating and flowers.
What had been a hotspot for anti‑social behaviour became a welcoming place for people to relax, meet and enjoy nature.
Over 10 years, the alley was nurtured into a source of local pride, community connection and environmental awareness.
Maya Harty (8) in Wildflower Alley in Belfast on the 29th May 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
